attractor

[ uh-trak-ter ]

noun

1. a person or thing that attracts.
2. Physics. a state or behavior toward which a dynamic system tends to evolve, represented as a point or orbit in the system's phase space.

attractor

/ ə-trăk′tər /

1. A set of states of a dynamic physical system toward which that system tends to evolve, regardless of the starting conditions of the system.
2. ◆ A point attractor is an attractor consisting of a single state. For example, a marble rolling in a smooth, rounded bowl will always come to rest at the lowest point, in the bottom center of the bowl; the final state of position and motionlessness is a point attractor.
3. ◆ A periodic attractor is an attractor consisting of a finite or infinite set of states, where the evolution of the system results in moving cyclically through each state. The ideal orbit of a planet around a star is a periodic attractor, as are periodic oscillations . A periodic attractor is also called a limit-cycle.
4. ◆ A strange attractor is an attractor for which the evolution through the set of possible physical states is nonperiodic (chaotic), resulting in an evolution through a set of states defining a fractal set. Most real physical systems (including the actual orbits of planets) involve strange attractors.

Word History and Origins

Origin of attractor¹

First recorded in 1645–55

Example Sentences

Rapidly, but with unerring precision, the two ships were brought into place and held together by the attractor.

From Project Gutenberg

The Skylark was still in place, held immovable by the attractor, but what a sight she was!

From Project Gutenberg

As the animal showed no sign of leaving its retreat, Seaton pulled it out with the attractor and it broke for the surface.

From Project Gutenberg

Pliny in his origin of glass will have it that a loadstone is an attractor of glass, as well as of iron.

From Project Gutenberg

As an attractor of Negative Thought he is a glittering success.

From Project Gutenberg